IP covers areas of law dealing with the existence, protection and enforcement of:
We can advise clients on all aspects of IP related to these areas. In addition, we can (either directly or via our extensive network of associates) seek protection for any registrable rights via the various Intellectual Property Offices throughout the world.
Patents provide exclusive rights for inventions. A patent gives its owner the right to prevent others from using the invention defined in the patent for a period of up to 20 years.
Trade Marks are signs which link, in the eyes of a customer, a manufacturer (or service provider) with its products (or services). Usually trade marks are words, numerals, logos, pictures, or the shape of goods, colours, sounds or even a smell.
A mark capable of being represented graphically and which can distinguish its goods or services from those of other traders may be registered.
Descriptive or laudatory marks are generally unregistrable. A trade mark registration initially lasts for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely for additional 10 year periods.
Designs protect the shape and appearance of articles. A design can be the whole article or merely a part of it, depending upon novelty and “individual character”.
There are two broad types of designs: registered and unregistered. They are different rights and their duration differs (in the UK registered designs can last for up to 25 years and unregistered, usually, for 10 years; whereas in Europe, a Community Design Registration can last for up to 25 years, and a Community Unregistered Design Right lasts for 3 years).
Copyright is another unregistered right. It extends to musical, literary, dramatic and artistic works, including computer software, engineering drawings, maps and photographs.
Please contact us by email or by phone +44 207 034 5204 to discuss your specific requirements.